Autocad. What is it?

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Some of you might have heard about AutoCAd software. What is Autocad?. Autocad is one of the most popular

computer-aided drafting software  in the world. It was developed by  inventor Mike Riddle using a programme called Interact. This software was purchased by a company called  Autodesk in the year 1982 for an amount of 10 million US dollars.  They modified it with C+ programming.

Traditionally, design and drafting involved paper, pencils and erasers but today most designs are done in computer applications that allows you to do complex things much more productively and accurately than before. As I mentioned AutoCAD software is mainly used for drafting purpose. However, Architects, Engineers, Project Mangers and various industries use this software regularly for design & modeling

Initially in 80’s  AutoCAD functioned mostly by using simple lines and circles, and text to create complex objects. Beginning in the 1990s, AutoCAD began utilizing more robust custom object features with an Advanced Programming Interface using C++. And starting in 2007 AutoCAD has added  advanced 3D tools and rendering.

Now there are a number of more specific AutoCAD programs, including AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Architecture

The latest AutoCAD releases are AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD 2013 for Mac. The release marked the 27th major release for the AutoCAD for Windows, and the third consecutive year for AutoCAD for Mac

The native file format of AutoCAD is .dwg.

Twenty seven years after its birth, it remains at the top of many competing programs. When you compare all the resources including the add-ons, extensions, training courses, books, etc. it doesn’t have much competition and is the most popular software on the market.

The modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modeling and 3D tools.

AutoCAD LT is the lower cost version of AutoCAD with reduced capabilities, first released in November 1993. AutoCAD LT, priced at $495,

AutoCAD mobile application AutoCAD WS.

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Autocad Advantages:

Can be easily erased and changed
Can be zoomed in for more detailed sections
Can be copied and pasted many times
Depending on skill, can be neater
Can be quicker
Can be sent to elsewhere quickly
Can be stored in a safe place
Can be checked for measurements by the computer
Can easily mass produce identical products
Can work throughout the night so can produce product 24 hours a day

Autocad Disadvantages:

If computer problem, all data will be lost
If not checked properly, the object created can go very wrong
Can be very expensive
Can be hard to do and handling needs training
Since not manual, can be slightly irritating because if not familiar with technology, it is very hard to insure exactly what is wanted by the designer e.g. If wanted something engraved instead of cut, the line colour has to be changed into blue instead of red.
Sometimes you can't do everything you want to because the tools aren't available
Lots of people lost their jobs when CAD CAM originally came out

AutoCAD WS : AutoCAD WS is a Web-based CAD editor with built-in collaboration features.

Because it is on the Web, it is accessible from anywhere, using any computer – provided there is an Internet connection. The drawings and other files are also stored on the Internet.

You can share drawings with colleagues and clients without having to send any files. All the drawings and documentations are kept in a centralized place, so nothing ever gets lots and it’s easily accessible. . In 2010, Autodesk released their first AutoCAD mobile application AutoCAD WS. The mobile application allows registered users to "view, edit, and share" their work wherever they go.

AutoCAD is licensed at a significant discount over commercial retail pricing to qualifying students and teachers, with a 36-month license available

AutoCAD Suites

Take AutoCAD further in a suite
Build on the power of AutoCAD with tools to help you create, capture, connect, and showcase your designs.

• AutoCAD Design Suite
• Autodesk Building Design Suite
• Autodesk Factory Design Suite
• Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite
• Autodesk Product Design Suite
• Autodesk Plant Design Suite

AutoCAD Products

An AutoCAD design tool for every need
Whether you're working on building, infrastructure, product, factory, plant, or general design projects, there's an AutoCAD® software program for you.

• AutoCAD
• AutoCAD for Mac
• AutoCAD LT
• AutoCAD Architecture
• AutoCAD Civil 3D
• AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD P&ID
• AutoCAD Plant 3D
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• AutoCAD Mechanical
• AutoCAD MEP